ARTIST Anita Saunders tells the Standard all about her beautifully bright Bed Hare, which she is lovingly creating for this year’s Cotswold Hare Trail.

‘I was born in Northleach and I’m definitely at home in the countryside – it’s in my blood. My grandad was a shepherd and my brother and I spent many happy hours out in the fields with him as children.

‘My parents have a love and respect for the natural world, which they’ve passed on to me. It definitely influences the work I produce.

‘I did a Foundation year at GLOS CAT in Cheltenham before studying for a Degree in Fine Art at Exeter. I now work as a painter and printmaker from my home studio in Wiltshire. I don’t have to stray far for inspiration; the animals, birds, plants and colours of the countryside I see on a daily basis take centre stage in my compositions – hares tend to pop up time and again.

‘Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to illustrate several books for children. The right combination of words and pictures has the ability to capture the imagination from a very early age.

‘I think the Cotswold Hare Trail is a brilliant initiative adding value on so many levels. I decorated a leveret last year and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, so I was delighted my design for ‘Bed Hare’ was selected for the Cotswold Hare Trail this year.

‘I came up with the name for my hare first, when faced with my early morning reflection. Bed hair is nothing new for me - having naturally curly hair – I’ll leave you to imagine the scene! However, it got me thinking and my design is the result of that play on words, although my hare is a very neat and tidy young chap.

‘Bed Hare’ is all set for that wonderful part of the day when it’s time to snuggle up in pyjamas, hop in to bed and read a bedtime story. I have incorporated a motif inspired by one of my fabric designs on his pyjamas; it a pattern of a hare running beside a verge overflowing with native grasses and cow parsley – an apt subject considering the chosen charities for 2018.

‘The storybook under his arm is a classic fable from Aesop – ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’, so a story with an important lesson for life. A much loved cuddly hare toy sits in his pyjama pocket, slippers are on, teeth have been cleaned and whiskers washed; now he waits in anticipation.

‘Painting such a large piece has its challenges, size being one – he’s taking up a lot of space in my garden studio – and flexibility is the other. That old family favourite ‘Twister’ has nothing on some of the contorted positions I’ve found myself in over the last few weeks trying to cover all the surfaces with paint.

‘I’m looking forward to seeing him take his place alongside the other hares. With the meeting of hares due to take place in Northleach this year, it’s like it’s all come full circle for me which is very special’.